Double murder trial told how victims died

THE VICTIMS of a double murder in Limerick both died from “catastrophic” single gunshot wounds to their head areas, the jury in a trial has heard.

State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy told prosecuting counsel Brendan Grehan SC, that Desmond Kelly, in whose house the double shooting took place, was shot “at close range in the right temple area of his head”. She said the second victim, Breda Waters, who was found in an upstairs bedroom, died as a result of a single gunshot injury to the neck area.

It was day three of the trial of first cousins Patrick O’Brien (31), Glanntan, Golflinks Road, Castletroy, Limerick, and Thomas Stewart (28), Briarfield, Castletroy, Limerick who have both pleaded not guilty to the murders of Mr Kelly (23) and Ms Waters (28) on January 9th, 2011, at O’Malley Park in Limerick.

Prof Cassidy said she visited the scene the day after the shootings and located Mr Kelly lying on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood on his left side with his hips and knees bent.

“There was a large shotgun wound to the right temple area and as there was gun residue and soot surrounding the area, the shot was fired at fairly close range,” said Prof Cassidy.